Aloe vera gel is an incredibly versatile home remedy that's worth keeping around. If you've only heard of one or two ways to use it, you're in for a pleasant surprise.

A Little About Aloe

Aloe vera gel is present naturally within the leaves of the aloe plant (Aloe barbadensis). This gel is clear, relatively odorless and watery in texture as opposed to sticky. Aloe vera gel also has a natural cooling effect. Depending on how aloe vera gel is processed, it can be consumed orally as well as applied topically.

How to Use Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel can take the place of many items in your medicine cabinet as well as certain beauty products. Here are 10 of our favorite ways to use aloe vera gel:

6. Drink it to aid in digestion. Aloe vera is a commonly recommended natural laxative. Use it only according to instructions and don't combine with other laxatives or diuretics.

7. Put some aloe vera gel onto a cotton swab, cotton ball or tissue and use it to remove your makeup.

8. Make an exfoliating scrub for the body with Epsom salts and aloe vera gel. You can also use brown sugar and add essential oils like tea tree.

9. Use aloe vera gel as a tamer for frizz in the summer or to keep facial hair in place instead of traditional hair gels full of chemicals.

10. Apply aloe vera gel to skin conditions like acne or psoriasis to ease inflammation. Aloe vera gel also has some antibacterial properties.

There are so many uses for aloe vera gel. So, what do you look for when you buy it?

Using Aloe Vera Gel

When purchasing aloe vera gel, it's important to choose a product that is as close to 100 percent pure as possible. Look for a gel that doesn't contain any SLS, phthalates or parabens (these are all types of preservatives) as well as alcohol or any artificial colors or preservatives. Some products will also contain added herbal extracts and essential oils -- just make sure they're natural as well. When you're done using your aloe vera gel, store it in the fridge to maintain freshness and for an even more refreshing, cool feeling when applied topically.

When trying any new topical product, it's important to test it on a small area to check for irritation. Adverse reactions to aloe vera aren't common.

You can find the best aloe vera gel products at eVitamins. Let us know your favorite and have a great week!

This topical aloe vera gel is 98 percent
pure. It also contains allatonin and
vitamin B5, which provide additional
nourishment for the skin. This aloe
vera gel isn't for consumption, but for
topical use only.

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